Mid-October…0-3…and still looking to get that first conference win. How in the world did we get here? Wait…don’t answer that…we all know how.
Don’t worry, though…Coach Nutt has officially restarted the season, so the Hogs currently stand at 0-0. Fortunately, the Ole Miss Rebels are also looking for that elusive first SEC win of the year.
A ‘clash of titans’ it is not. But this week, somebody’s “O” must go.
Coach Ed Orgeron is in his third year at Oxford, and his teams are 9-21 overall, with a 2-5 record in 2007. Affectionately known as “Cajun Ed,” Orgeron is tough, but likeable…so likeable in fact that HogBlogger is thinking about buying a Hummer from him. Then again, we have our own used car salesman to deal with.
The Rebels are much improved on offense from a year ago and it starts with quarterback Seth Adams, who has thrown for more than 200 yards in five out of seven games this season. Running back BenJarvis Green-Ellis, one of the best in the conference, has rushed for 701 yards (100.1 yards per game) this year.
The Ole Miss defense is coordinated by former Arkansas assistant John Thompson. Thompson holds a victory over Nutt from when he served as defensive coordinator at South Carolina. The Gamecocks came into Fayetteville in 2005 and won 14-10. Hog fans may remember that game as Casey Dick’s first start and for Nutt’s decision to go for it on fourth-and-one on his own 29 on the first drive of the game. He didn’t get it…and the Hogs never recovered.
We rarely play well when we go to Oxford. The Hogs are 2-5 there since joining the league. And the Rebels are coming off a really tough 27-24 loss to Alabama last week. That said, the Hogs won there two years ago (Casey Dick’s first win as a starting quarterback) and are favored by 5 points.
So can the Razorbacks bounce back? Hold that thought…we’ll make score predictions with you tomorrow.
I watched Ole Miss Saturday and thought they got hosed at the end. I was very impressed with Hardy #86 Defensive end. If Valdez & Garner don't eat their wheaties before the ballgame, that will will kick their butt. I also thought their QB & receivers played well. At this point I don't have much confidence in going Oxford and coming away with a victory.
I'm glad to see you were able to find that article about the Boise players. I remember that comment, and it had me a little concerned. At the time Boise had no cred.
Thompson will handle our run game. The ole miss passing game will eat our defense alive although you do have to love Grant at CB (just a few games too late.) Green Ellis will run wild in the 4th quarter. We will be lucky if it is not a blow out.
Despite the common misconception that our offense was fine until last week we have scored with big plays, defense, and special teams. Our offense is in trouble. Saturday will tell the tale.
Ole Miss had a chance to win every SEC game they played at home this year. They play well at home, and have almost taken it to the next level. Right now, they remind me of the Hogs in thier last 4 games of the '05 season, getting better every week. Hogs will lose another close one.
I don't know if this has already made the rounds here, but this is my new favorite!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KM-yCyIdOYU